MLB.com beat writer Brian McTaggart blogs about all things Astros.

Could Lee, Berkman and Pence be breaking out?

There is no bigger reason for the Astros’ shortcomings on offense this year than the struggles of their 3-4-5 hitters: Carlos Lee, Lance Berkman and Hunter Pence. No matter what the order, the three sluggers have scuffled for most of the season and the Astros’ offense has followed along, but there are signs they could be coming around.

Berkman went 1-for-4 with a run scored Wednesday, one day after going 3-for-5 with three RBIs. In his last 22 games, he’s hitting .288 with three homers and 16 RBIs to raise his batting average to .241 from .175.

Lee went 1-for-3 on Wednesday with a two-run homer. He’s hitting .281 with four homers and 12 RBIs in his past 16 games, raising his batting average to .208 from .189.

Pence went 1-for-4 with a two-run triple Wednesday and his hitting .410 with eight RBIs in his last 10 games. He hit .302 with six homers and 16 RBIs in May and is off to a quick start in June.

If all three guys can continue to heat up with the weather, maybe the summer will be bearable, after all.

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